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Cats can suffer from arthritis just as we humans do, and it mostly affects older cats. There might not be any cure (depending on the type of arthritis), but there are always treatments.

Most cats are naturally exceptionally nimble and athletic animals, but as you might expect their joints, ligaments and bones are susceptible to accidental damage, and to the wear and tear of everyday life.

On the other hand, giving thanks to their buoyancy, sense of balance, ability to land on their feet and built-in shock absorbers – their forelegs are not connected by bone to the rest of their skeleton, cats do not suffer from as many orthopaedic troubles as they might if they didn’t have all of these great qualities.

Arthritis conditions in cats take place most generally as an end result of accidents.

Cats can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which plainly means joint inflammation.

However, arthritis is much more compound than a simple inflammation, so this plain name is relatively confusing.

For example, check out the wide range of signs of arthritis in cats:

• Stiffness, Limping

• Favoring One Limb (especially after resting)

• Not Wanting to Climb Stairs or Jump

• Noticeable Pain, Different Gait than Usual

• Nervousness, Aggression, Depression

If you notice more than one of these symptoms in your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Usually, as the owner, you notice these things right away and know that something isn’t quite right.

Alternatively check out these cat pain treatments here. Learn more

Causes

Many things can cause arthritis in cats. Main reasons are old age, trauma, infections, immune system disorders and even developmental disorders.

Cats most commonly suffer the following two forms of arthritis. One is traumatic arthritis and this may be caused by a sudden injury to a joint, such as following a vehicle accident, the consequence of a fight or play with another cat or animal, or because of an awkward fall.

The second is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is well thought-out by professionals to be the end result of a joint failure that can occur for nearly any reason. Cats’ shoulder and elbow joints are those most regularly pretentious in older cats. Common causes are repeated episodes of traumatic arthritis, and also joint dislocation or fractures involving joints that occurred in the past and made the joints more vulnerable to disproportionate wear and tear.

What to Expect During Your Trip to the Vet

Your vet will conduct a regular examination, and comments from you on your cat’s problems. Your vet might take some tests to rule out anything else such as blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.

Treatments

If your cat is diagnosed with arthritis, there are many treatments available. Some you can do at home such as gentle massage, weight control, exercise, and warmth. Some medications may be prescribed for your cat such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Corticosteroids, Vitamin C, and/or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs).

There are numerous different kinds of joint diseases that your cat could have, too.

These include:

• Feline progressive polyarthritis (which affects more than one joint)

• Feline Dysplasia

• Bacterial Arthritis

• Oseoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)

• Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament

• Luxating Patella

• Hip Dysplasia

• Intervertabral Disc Disease

• Hyperparathyroidism

Although most forms of arthritis has no cure to rid your feline of the disease, there are plenty of  treatments available. Your cat can live out the rest of his or her life with less pain, more activity, and just being generally happier!

By: Jean Morgan -

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For more information on pet health visit Natures Healthy Pet

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Keeping your dog from self injury is a very high priority for any pet owner. But did you know that your dog could be developing bone or joint issues already? Conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia could be prevented by incorporating the use of dog stairs into his daily routine.

Every time your dog jumps on or off the bed, couch, car, or other high-up place, he is putting a great deal of impact on his joints and bones. The use of dog ramps and steps eliminates the need for your dog to jump, thus letting your pet enjoy healthy joints for longer!

Deciding where the steps will be used most is an important factor to keep in mind when you’re picking out a set of steps. For instance, if you need dog steps for beds, you will need to know the distance from the floor to the top of the mattress. This way, your dog will not trip himself while trying to reach the bed if the steps are too short or tall. Some pet steps are designed with built-in compartments which are great for storing toys and treats.

Make sure that whichever set of steps you choose are the proper height for your dog. This can be determined by the size of your dog. Large dog steps will have a 16 step width for dogs 30lbs and over and small dog steps will have a step width of 12 for dogs under 20 lbs. Purchasing steps that are too small or large for your dog could cause him to trip or overexert himself.

There are several different materials you can choose from, as well. The most common finish being carpeted, as it enables your dog to get a good grip as he ascends and descends the steps. You can also get wooden stairs in various shades, and even molding!

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How about the use of glucosamine for treating dog arthritic joint pain .

In 1999, glucosamine was the top-selling dietary supplement in the United States, with annual sales of US $288 million. It has become an immensely popular dietary supplement around the world.

It has proven itself again and again though its potential for repairing damaged joints and slowing the progression of arthritis.

Since glucosamine works so well for human arthritis, it is natural to ask: ‘What about dog arthritis?’ Is it safe? Is it effective?

The answer: Yes, it appears to be both safe and effective.

The main safety concern comes from animal studies in which large amounts of glucosamine were given to rats and other animals intravenously, for short periods of time. Under these extreme and usual conditions, glucosamine tended to decrease insulin levels and/or induce insulin resistance. When researchers tested humans with large amounts of intravenous glucosamine, the same thing happened. Hence a concern arose that glucosamine could cause diabetes or make diabetes worse.

Normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine given orally have never been shown to have an adverse effect on insulin levels, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels. Even in diabetic rats and type 2 diabetic humans, normal therapeutic doses of glucosamine taken orally have been shown to have no significant effect on insulin, insulin resistance or blood sugar levels.

Cosequin is the brand name of a glucosamine and chondroitin formulation made to treat dog arthritis, cat arthritis and horse arthritis. It is taken orally and appears to have an excellent safety record.

Cosequin has been seen to have an excellent safety profile. In safety studies, Cosequin given at twice label recommended levels for 30 days in healthy dogs had no adverse effects on blood sugar levels. No clinically significant effects were seen on any biochemical parameter in these studies.

Although no change in blood sugar control would be expected for a diabetic dog, as with the addition of anything new to a diabetic’s regimen, it is advisable to monitor closely.

By: Barbara Allan

Here are some comfortable options for helping relieve the pain of dog arthritis

Doggie Stroller – Allow Your Pampered Pet to Relax!

You can well adorn his wardrobe with the most stylish and fashionable clothes and accessories, and also get him a comfortable dog house and a cozy bed.

The Best Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed

These beds provide excellent support and at the same time are extremely soft and comfortable. Typical dog beds are usually one or the other, but only memory foam gives the capability to provide both. 

Dog Beds: Invest Wisely

Dog Bed Just as people appreciate a comfortable bed, dogs appreciate a comfortable dog bed. My dog currently has 3 dog beds; all located in different rooms, and all used throughout the day.

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Barbara Allan is publisher of the website ArthritisArticles.org where expert authors provide info on arthritis treatment and more. Click here for more information on glucosa

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Dogs are among the top three pets that people love. They become part of our family and they bond with us much like people do and they give us their love, trust and loyalty unconditionally. For this, dogs live an exemplary life as trusted companions and beloved family members.

An ailing pet is a heartbreaking sight. Usually, most dogs succumb to arthritis in their older days. Arthritis in dogs is common and painful. Many pet owners wish they could alleviate the pain of their dogs and offer comfortable remedies for the dogs. Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint where there is pain and discomfort even when it is not moved. Eventually, the joint will become atrophied and cannot be utilized by the animal anymore.

Alleviate dog arthritis pain

There are many kinds of arthritis in dogs and these include osteoarthritis, idiopathic, infective and immune mediated. These are all painful arthritis in dogs and the most common of the four is osteoarthritis. This is a disease in the joints where degeneration of the cartilage is followed by some new bone formation. This formation of new bone is the sign of arthritis in dogs.

Causes of Arthritis in Dogs

Arthritis in dogs is usually caused by a traumatic injury to the joint which causes the bone formation resulting in arthritis. Obesity is also one cause of arthritis in dogs because the irregular weight adds to the concussive forces or pressure to the joint. Weak joints as a result of many joint diseases can also contribute to arthritis in dogs. For puppies and young dogs, arthritis can be caused by the malformation or wrong development of their bones.

Natural Remedies and  Treatments for Arthritis in Dogs

Increased daily doses of sodium ascorbate (vitamin C) can help maintain and prevent further joint deterioration. Rhus Toxicodendron can also help alleviate arthritis in dogs by easing the pains and aches. Glucosamine can also be added to their supplement as this is what humans take to help their condition. Ask a vet for the proper dosage of the supplement before giving it to your dog. Extra Virgin coconut oil is also one natural remedy that you might like to try out for arthritis in dogs. Start out with lower dosages since the dog’s system might have to adjust to the oil but many claim that this works for dogs as well as in people also.

We want to take care of our dogs and we always want the best for them. Make sure that your vet is aware of the dog nutritional supplements and cures that you are giving your dog. Just remember that a balance of diet and exercise is of most value when dealing with arthritis in dogs.

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Learn how to use dog nutritional supplements to enhance your dog’s life and remedy your dog’s discomforts – almost immediately – guaranteed! by going to www.supplementsforyourdog.com Don’t forget to get your two free gifts.

More on dog health, herbs for dogs and supplements can be found below

Holistic Dog Health and Supplements for Dogs
Holistic dog health encompasses your dog’s diet and healthy dog food, dog vitamins and supplements, dog grooming, canine oral health, dog arthritis, and heart disease in dogs. A healthy dog is a happy dog!

Animals Evolved   Omega 3 Fish Oils
Many pet stores and pet supply catalogs carry special fish oil supplements for dogs. If the right dose is selected, you could also use fish oil supplements designed for humans, but always check with your veterinarian first.

There are varying opinions on supplements for dogs
There are varying opinions on supplements for dogs, as most nutritionists and veterinarians believe that the average dog that is being fed a balanced diet that meets its requirement for nutrients does not need any supplements.

Pets – Advice, News, Information and Stories
Supplements are needed to ensure that pets receive optimum nutrition, and among the necessary supplements – certain B vitamins and taurine – have been unavailable from anywhere other than China.

Natural Supplements For Dogs and Cats
To use for dogs: give 1 tablespoon to 1 cup per day, depending on the size of the dog. Mix herb powder with food or sprinkle it on top. This is only a mineral and preventive medicinal supplement.

Joint Supplements for Dogs
There are a few ingredients a good joint supplement for dogs should contain. Only give your dogs a joint supplement that contains at least Glucosamine. There are countless studies showing Glucosamine works.

Energy Tonic Supplements
All of their Energy Tonic Supplements For Tired And Lethargic Dogs And Cats reviews concerning the merchandise were prescribed feedback with no complaints. Energy Tonic Supplements For Tired And Lethargic Dogs And Cats.

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